By Madeline Zuckerman
Desert Arc’s 13th Annual Golf Classic showcased a full flight of 128 dedicated golfers and close to 200 dinner guests, making this highly-anticipated event a huge success. The camaraderie of all guests was evident all day long, with many of the golfers returning year after year to play on the renowned Eagle Falls Golf Course at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio. Renowned Architect Clive Clark designed the par 72,6715 yard
Golf Course, known as the best course to play on in our Valley.
The dynamic and talented duo of Event Chair Nancy Singer along with Event Emcee Brooke Beare, made the entire event flawless and most enjoyable.
Presenting Sponsor was Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians, Luncheon Sponsor was Hot Purple Energy, and Dinner Sponsor was Darlene Beneto. Other major sponsors included City of Rancho Mirage, SA Recycling Coachella, Nancy Singer, Pacific Western Bank, Richard Balocco, Berger Foundation, City Of Indian Wells, Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, Tim Marchi, Mercury Film & Television, Mind & Mill, Rivco Mechanical, Lori & Aubrey Serfling, Doug & Verna Watson, and Decorators Depot.
“To quote Arnold Palmer, “always make a total effort, even when the odds are against you.” Desert Arc is on par with this expression as our 711 clients, people with disabilities served by our nonprofit organization’s mission, do this every day. The programs offered by Desert Arc are designed to give each individual a safe and supportive, person-centric resource base to reach their highest potential to live, work, and socialize in the community. Since 1959, we have championed this cause and are grateful to the people who participate in our Annual Golf Classic Tournament Fundraiser in support of Desert Arc,” stated Richard Balocco, President/CEO. “We had more people play this year than ever before!”
Desert Arc realized overwhelming community support at this annual event, which raised much-needed funds to support Desert Arc’s mission of championing the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, by enhancing their clients’ quality of life and creating opportunities for each person.
“It was my honor again to chair the 13th Annual Golf Classic Tournament Fundraiser to benefit the many outstanding programs offered by Desert Arc,” said Nancy Singer, Event Chair, Board Member and past Board Chair. “We are grateful for the support of the community, as well as, staff members, as we continually strive to enhance the lives of over 700 people with disabilities.”
The year’s event featured a scrumptious BBQ Lunch, followed by a Shotgun Scramble, Cocktail Reception, and Golf Awards Banquet Dinner, prepared by Fantasy Springs’ renowned Chef Freddy
Hot Purple Energy graciously donated two electric bikes, won by David Scott and Steve Mathews.
The coveted Golf Awards went to:
First Place Team: Rivco Mechanical
Second Place Team: John Haddock Foursome
Women’s Longest Drive: Alyssa Randolph, Eisenhower Health
Men’s Longest Drive: George Garza, Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians
Women’s Closest To The Pin: Verlinda Richardson
Men’s Closest To The Pin: Greg Wallis, The Desert Sun
“It’s terrific to continue the legacy Desert Arc has created for people with disabilities and their families within our community,” said Brooke Beare, Event Emcee, past Board Chair, and member of Desert Arc’s board. “The services and opportunities Desert Arc provides are due to the generous contributions of the players, as well as sponsors, who participate annually in this fun golf tournament for a very good cause.”
Media Sponsors for this year’s event included THE DESERT SUN & LOCALiQ, Presenting Newspaper & Digital Media Sponsor; KESQ News Channel 3, TV Media Sponsor; and Alpha Media-Palm Springs, Radio Media Sponsor.
Seen in the crowd were Jay Chesterton, Douglas Welmas, Kaleb Welmas, Issac Beltran, Gabriel Carpio, Robert Waggoner, Jay Munos, Aubrey & Lori Serfling, Jerry Upham, Rob Anzalone, David Peat, Mike Schirm, Tracy Trembley, Mary Hendler, Ernie Rubin, Teddi Rozell, Glenn Miller & Diane Fesler, Eddie Reyes, Anthony Gonzalez, Andrina Reyes, Roman Ruis, Guido Portante, Tim & Monique Marchi, Darlene Beneto, Steve Riegler, Stewart & Jan Gallagher, John Haddock, Laidley Gordon, Bobbi Farnham, Jeff Shield, Tim & Keri Smith, Norman Wine, David Scott, Steve Mathews, and Paul Watson.
Please Save The Date of April 1, 2024 to support Desert Arc’s 14th Annual Golf Classic Tournament Fundraiser.
For information on Desert Arc please call 760-404-1368 or visit www.desertarc.org
